Fayetteville in Fayette County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
The Rev. Joseph Chromcik arrived on Christmas Day in 1872 to minister at St. John Baptist Church and became the first Czech-speaking priest in Texas. The church prospered and in 1875 the Chromcik School was opened. A mission church was established in nearby Warrenton in 1886. Chromcik extended his missionary work through out the region and remained in Fayetteville until his death in 1910. A new sanctuary was erected in 1911 and a new 2-story school built in 1915 during the pastorate of the Rev. John Vanicek. A convent for the Sisters of Divine Providence was built in 1964. A new sanctuary was erected in 1969, and a parish hall, educational center, and other facilities were added over the years.
St. John the Baptist Church is representative of the area's Czech heritage and continues a tradition of leadership in the region's Catholic community.
Erected 1995 by Texas Historical Commission . (Marker Number 4448.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Education • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.
Location. 29° 54.439′ N, 96° 40.585′ W. Marker is in Fayetteville, Texas, in Fayette County. Marker is at the intersection of East Bell Street and North Church Street, on the right when traveling south on East Bell Street. The marker is located at the front entrance to the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 205 East Bell Street, Fayetteville TX 78940, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Reverend Joseph Chromcik (a few steps from this marker); Chromcik Public School (within shouting distance of this marker); St John Parochial School (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Svrcek Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Baca Saloon & Confectionary (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Svrcek Garage (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fayetteville SPJST (approx. 0.2 miles away); Zapp Building (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fayetteville.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 8, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 8, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 132 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 8, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.